Red Nose Response responder Pam Bacher found herself right in the middle of a disasterwhen the floods hit Missouri in March. She shared herstory and her escapades with Red Nose Response and we offer an excerpt here.

Pam organized a group of people to assist inshelters and help in other areas. The group includedclowns and non clowns, all who wanted to help.

One of the shelters had an animal shelterattached to it, a rarity and very important to petowners. Pam, a self described animal lover, accompanied the Humane Society of Missouri to help in a cityin the boot hill of Missouri.

Pam writes, "We rescued not only dogs andcats but roosters, chickens, and even a couple of cowsand a calf. I have to say there has to be a skitin a bunch of people chasing chickens. We laughed until wecried on that one."

Pam's crew performed a wide array of response and "soft response" services. At one point she says, "We decided we would do more good on the front line and went to help sand bag and takefood to the workers.

While I know that Red Nose Response isclowning for a purpose, we are playing down our clowncostumes and makeup. They still know we are clowns,that's for sure, by wearing badges, name tags and such. I have found that even a hug will help them tocarry on."

Pam's final comment in this first hand reportwas "I have to tell you that I am not a young personanymore and I ache from head to toe at the moment butI feel good inside."

2-1-1 is a fairly new informationalnumber that has been added to the national telephone/communication system (i.e., 9-1-1,4-1-1, 6-1-1, etc.). It provides information oncommunication services and volunteer referrals. Theimplementation of 2-1-1 is being spearheaded by United Ways and comprehensive and specializedinformation and referral agencies in states and localcommunities.

People who need essential services can now be connected to 398 Cities and States across theNation including District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Canada has five (5) locations (http://www.211canada.ca/).

2-1-1 assists those who have endured much hardship through disasters. It directlychannels into city governmental services and organizations.

It isn't often that you find someone who iswilling to use his/her expertise so generously as theguy we found for the Red Nose Response web site.

Last May we shared with you a photo of our webmaster, Clayton "Pabo" Robertson. He hasbeen creatively responsive to our many requests to"get this up on the web site" and he has given thatsite life and color.

In appreciation for his many volunteer hoursgiven to Red Nose Response, the Board voted to surprise Pabo with something a bit more tangible, theart glass award pictured here.

Thank you again Pabo for all of your support and assistance. And to our readers, go to thesite often for updates, alerts and information about training.

Dianna Hale, RNR Secretary created a veryeffective Power Point presentation for use at both theWCA and COAI conventions. It was shown at bothevents and stimulated a lot of interest and many questions.

This slide show tells the viewer what RNR isand what we have done. It also contains a very timelyand important section on tornadoes. There issomething there for all to learn and it does it in avisual and interesting manner.

Our webmaster has worked hard to get this upon the web site for you to see, to download and to usein your communities. It would be an excellentdemonstration for alley meetings. It shares with theviewers the heart and soul of RNR. And it's interesting, too!

Please view the slideshow by clicking below. You might be surprised at how much youdidn't know about disasters and how to reactto them.

Convention attendees at both the World Clown Association in Orlando, FL and Clowns of America International in Richmond VA this past monthwere the first to see and purchase the RNR pins and patches.

For those of you who have had too many years of sewing patches on uniforms, and sashes and jackets, be cheered. These patches iron on!

The current silver pins are a LIMITED EDITION and when gone will be replaced with a slightly different one. If you want to be the proudowner of the pin you see pictured you need to order it now.

These are available from any RNR Boardmember. The price for either a pin or a patchis $5.00. Contact one of the Board members ifyou would like to purchase one or both.

You will find the names of the RNR Board onthe web site. Simply send your request to any one ofus, by name, (i.e. barbara@rednoseresponse.org or elaine@rednoseresponse.org) and we will haveyour order on its way.

Look for Red Nose Response at the SECAconvention on

September 3-7, 2008 in Jacksonville, FL. Board members Bob Gretton and Dianna Hale and RNR advisor Teresa Gretton will be hosting ahospitality room at that event. Meet your fellowresponders, share experiences, ask questions anddefinitely tell other clowns just why they should also sign up.

Pictured with this story is the award won bythe Red Nose Response theme party table at the AprilCOAI convention in Richmond VA. The convention theme was racing and there were many funny andcreative tables.

The RNR table was an instant attraction to all attendees. You could sign up to race two others with all thebreath you could muster to see whose red foam nose would reach the finish line first. This setup wascomplete with a time keeper and the huffing andpuffing kept up all evening. The winners of each lap thenraced the other lap winners.The one with the most wind(fastest foam nose) was awarded a trophy filled with "little money".

The theme party winners were selected by those attending the party. Our RNR table took second place. Not too shabby with thanks primarily to the efforts ofElaine Vercellone, WE ARE WINNERS!

You are Red Nose Response! The organization would not exist without you and your generousoffers to help and get involved. Take whateverdisaster training courses you can find in your area. Share your experiences and suggestions. Tell other clowns about Red Nose Response and watch their eyeslight up, just like yours did. Help us grow.

Sincerely,